Power reset wringer



B. R. THELE Feb. 14, 1956 POWER RESET WRINGER 6 Sheets-Sheet 1 File'dApril 3, 1951 Feb. 14, 1956 B. R. THU-:LE

POWER RESET WRINGER 6 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed April 3. 1951 havana-rom@ev-tho@ 1Q. Thiele Feb. 14, 1956 Fild April 3, 1951 B. R. THIELE2,734,371

POWER RESET WRINGER SSheets-Sheet 3 i cqvromuam Feb. 14, 1956 B. R.THIELE 2,734,371

POWER RESET wRINGER v Filed April 3, 1951 6 Sheets-Sheet 4 L; m J. y n s9 5 f. Wm 7|/ O *Q E E Kwm Q u -K D Q 6 v 1 w @a 5 5 r/ H E o W 5 Mm d 57. M

Feb. 14, 1956 Filfd April 3, 1951 B. R. THIELE POWER RESET WRINGER 6Sheets-Sheet 5 @evtkolcl ',Wne\e my, @In W; 61%

(fl-frommey/ Feb. 14. 1956 File'd April 5, 1951 B. R. THIELE POWER RESETWRINGER 6 Sheets-Sheet 6 United States Patentvv POWER RESET WRINGERBerthold R. Thiele, Ripon,

Wis., assignor to Speed Queen Corporation, Ripon,

The invention relates to roll press clothes wringers of the typecommonly associated with domestic laundry machines.

Wringers of this character are provided with coacting power driven rollswhich are forcibly biased toward each other to squeeze out excesscleaning fluid from clothes passed between the rolls. In order toprevent damage or injury to objects, such as the hand of the operator,Which may inadvertently become caught between the rolls, it has beennecessary to provide a release operable in such emergency for stoppingthe wringer and disengaging the rolls from each other. In the past theprocedures required for restarting the wringer and for re-engaging thewringer rolls have been objectionable in several respects. In additionto their awkwardness they have required considerable manual effort onthe part of the operator or the manipulation of a number of wringercontrols in sequence, either of which is undesirable.

One object of the present invention is to provide a novel clotheswringer of the character recited having a new and improved controlmechanism which is effective to disable the wringer and disengage itsrolls in response to a rst single control movement by the operator, andwhich is also capable of again placing the wringer in operation inresponse to a second single control movement by the operator.

A more specific object is to provide a wringer of this character with animproved resetting mechanism which is operable to determine thedirection of rotation of the rolls, x the rolls against lateraldisplacement relative to each other, connect the rolls to their drive,and force the rolls back into mutual engagement through power derivedfrom the roll drive, all in response to a single movement of a controlelement.

In conjunction with the foregoing objects, an additional object residesin the provision of a push button control for the wringer resettingmechanism.

An additional object is to provide a wringer of this type having certainsafety features which assure troublefree operation of the wringer. 4

Other objects and advantages will become apparent as the descriptionproceeds.

In the accompanying drawings:

Figure 1 is a side elevational view, partially in vertical section, of awringer incorporating one embodiment of the invention, the section beingtaken substantially along line 1-1 of Fig. 3.

Fig. 2 is a transverse vertical sectional view of the wringer takensubstantially along line 2-2 of Fig. 1, certain parts being eliminatedfor clarity in illustration.

Fig. 3 is a transverse vertical sectional view taken substantially alongline 3-3 of Fig. 1, and showing in greater detail the wringer controlmechanism in released position.

Fig. 4 is a view similar to Fig. 3, but illustrating the mechanism inengaged or running position.

Fig. 5 is a sectional view similar to Fig. 3, but on an enlarged scaleshowing the relationship of the parts at` 2,734,37i Patented Feb. 14,1956 an intermediate point during the release movement of the rolls.

Fig. 6 is a fragmentary detail view showing the single revolution clutchat an intermediate point of the power re-set movement.

Fig. 7 is a transverse sectional view, along line 7-7 of Fig. 1, showingthe wringer head in pivoted released position.

Fig. 8 is a View similar to latched in vertical position.

Fig. 9 is a fragmentary vertical section on an enlarged scale, alongline 9-9 of Fig. 1, and showing the reversing clutch in engagedposition.

Fig. 9a is an enlarged fragmentary section, along the line 9ct-9a ofFig. 1, showi g the reversing clutch operator linkage.

Fig. 9b is an enlarged fragmentary section, along the line 9b-9b of Fig.9a.

Fig. 10 is a vertical section along line 10-10 of Fig. l, and showingthe shifter link detent mechanism.

Figs. 11 to 15 illustrate a modified embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 11 is a view similar to the Fig. 1.

Fig. 12 is a vertical section taken through the wringer head adjacentthe end looking toward the right in Fig. 11, and showing the wringerhead latched in vertical position.

Fig. 13 is a longitudinal sectional view taken along line 13-13 of Fig.ll and showing in greater detail the `wringer head latch and reversingclutch control linkage.

Fig. 14 is a transverse vertical sectional view taken along aline 14-14of Fig. 11 and showing the head latch and power re-set mechanism inreleased position.

Fig. l5 is a View similar to Fig. 14 but showing the parts in engagedposition.

While the invention is susceptible of various modifications andalternative constructions and uses, I have shown in the drawings andwill herein describe in detail only the preferred embodiments of theinvention. It is to be understood, however, that I do not intend tolimit the invention by such disclosure, but aim to cover allmodifications and alternative constructions and uses falling within thespirit and scope of the invention as expressed in the appended claims.

Referring more particularly to the'drawings, the first embodiment of theinvention selected for purposes of illustration comprises a wringer 20,Fig. 1, having two power driven rolls 21, 22 mounted in a frame 24 forsqueezing water from Wet clothing and linens passed between the rolls.In the present instance, the lower roll 21 is positively driven from adrive shaft 25. The upper roll 22 is caused to follow therrotations ofthe lower roll through frictional engagement with the lower roll orcontact with materials which are passed between the rolls by frictionalcontact with the lower roll.

The structural arrangement for supporting and driving the lower roll 21includes two stubshafts 26, 27 (Fig. l) extending outwardly fromopposite ends of the roll and suitably journaled in the base section 29of the frame 24. Rotation of the roll is effected through the stubshaft27 which is connected to the vertical drive shaft 25 by a reversingclutch 30. As shown, the clutch is mounted within a control linkagehousing 31 attached to the adjacent end of the base section 29 to form apart of the wringer frame 24.

The instant clutch 30 comprises a driven member 32 in the form of adish-shaped crown gear having a hollow rearwardly extending hub 34suitably journaled in a vertical support member 35 which forms a part ofthe housing 31. The gear, thus supported for rotation about a horizontalaxis, is connected in driving relation with the roller Fig. 7, butshowing the head sectioned portion of Astubshatt 27 by a coupling link36 which extends through the hub 34 from the rear face of the gear tothe contiguous end of the stubshaft.

Selective coupling of the crown gear 32 to the drive shaft is effectedthrough a double-ended cluster gear element 37' which forms the drivingmember of the reversing clutch 30. As shown in Fig. l, the gear elementis splined to the shaft 25 for rotationV therewith and for slidingmovementalong the axis thereof. Opposite ends of the gear element areprovided with chamfered gears 39, 49 which are so spaced from each otherthat when the gear element is located in its central or neutralposition, Fig. l, both gears are disengaged from cooperating teeth 42 onthe face of the crown gear 32.

Application of the clutch to drive the rolls in a first direction isbrought about by shifting the gear element 37 upwardly along the axis ofthe drive shaft to engage the gear 39 with the crown gear 32, Fig. 9. Tostop the rolls, the gear element is, of course,lshifted back to itsneutral position, Fig. l. When the rolls are to be driven in theopposite direction, the gear element is shifteddownwardly to engage thegear 40 with the crown gear 32.

It will be observed at this point that the horizontal reaction impartedto the drive shaft 25 by the element 37, when actively driving the crowngear 32, is absorbed through the shaft support bearings 43, 44. Asshown, the upper bearing 43 is mounted in the support member 35 and thelower bearing 44 is disposed in the oor of the housing 31.

In order to assure smooth control of the reversing clutch 30, thedriving element 37 is shifted into and out of its driving positions by aspecially designed control linkage. Shifting movement of the drivingelement 37 is effected directly by a saddle pawl 46 having one enddisposed in an annular groove 47 between two spaced collars 48 on theelement, The opposite end of the pawl forms a stabilizing tang 50 whichis slidably disposed in a vertical guide slot 51. The latter is formedin the inner face of a plate 52 covering the end of thecontrol linkagehousing 31 and attached to the housing by a long screw 54.

Vertical shifting movement of the pawl 46 to selectively engage anddisengage the clutch 30 is accomplished by means of an upright shifterlink 55 interconnected at its lower end to the pawl. Interconnection ofthe parts is established by an elongated bracket 56 suitably connectedto an intermediate portion of the pawl, Figs. l, 9a and 9b, as by meansof a nut 56a received on a threaded central portion of the pawl 46 andclampingy the bracket 56 against the enlarged inner end of the pawl 46.The upper and lower ends of the bracket are provided with generallyhorizontal flanges 57, 58 suitably apertured to slidably receive thelink 55. Location of the apertures, in the bracket flanges is such thatthe link is disposed in offset relation to the pawl 46 as it extendsthrough the anges above and below the pawl, Vertical movements of thelink 55 are transmitted'to the bracket 56 through a helical spring 60coiled about the link and confined between the bracket flanges. Twoabutment pins 61, 62 capable of passing through the apertures in thebracket flanges are spaced apart on the shifter link 55 a distancesubstantially equal to the distance between the bracket flanges. Eachpin 61, 62 is arranged to engage the contiguous end of the spring 69 sothat longitudinal forces in the shifter link tending to slide the linkthrough the bracket 56 in either direction will'be transmitted throughthe spring to the bracket and hence to the control pawl 46.

The resiliency of the connection thus providedbetween the shifter link55 and theV control pawl 46 assures a smooth engagement of the clutch 30each time the wringer rolls are started. In the event the selected-oneof the gears 39, 40 does'not instantly mesh with the teeth'of the crowngear in response to shifting movement of the link 55, the resilientconnection between the link and the control pawl 46 permits thevpawland'the gear element 37 to lag behind the movement of-thelink. Yetthe biasing force exerted onv the gear element by the spring 60 4 ""1will immediately move the selected gear 39 or 40 into engagement withthe crown gear without clashing of gear teeth.

To eliminate any possible noise from vibration of the clutch controllinkage a spring 64 is coiled about the control pawl 46 so that oppositeends of the spring respectively contact the cover plate 52 and the pawlactuating bracket 56. The spring thus exerts a light pressure on theparts which stabilizes the linkage without interference with itsoperation.

Vertical clutch control movements are imparted to the shifter link 55 bya horizontal rock shaft 65 journaled in the upper portion of the supportmember 35, Fig. l. The upper end of the shifter link is pivoted to aneccentric stub shaft 66 mounted eccentrically on a collar 67 andprojecting from the end of the rock shaft. By reason of this eccentricconnection, angular displacement of the rock shaft produces suicientvertical displacement of the link to control the clutch 30, Figs. l and9.

To maintain the clutch in neutral position or either of its engagedpositions, a suitable detent mechanism is associated with the rock shaftso as to retain the clutch control linkage in its respective controlpositions. As illustrated in Figs. l and 10, the present detentmechanism comprises a collar 67 on the rock shaft adapted to cooperatewith a spring 69 anchored to the support member 35. The peripheralsurface of the collar is formed with three flats 70 angularly disposedon the collar so that one of the flats will be alined with the spring 69for each angular control position of the'rock shaft. Pressure of thespring on the respective ats thus serves to prevent self-displacement ofthe shaft 65 and the clutch linkage.

Angular rotation of the rock shaft 65 in either direction from itsneutral position to engage the clutch 30 is effected by a pushbuttoncontrol which may be actuated from either side of the wringer. Referringto Figs. 1, 3, and 9, it will be seen that the control includes twohorizontal bars 7 72 extending through the housing 3l in transverserelation to the rock shaft and disposed on opposite sides of the shaft.

Opposite ends of the bars are provided with control push buttons 74,which protrude through apertures in opposite walls of the housing 3i.The intermediate sections of the bars 71', 72 form gear racks which meshwith the upper and lower sides of a spur gear '76 fixed to the rockshaft 65, Fig. 9. When the rock shaft is in neutral position, thecontrol buttons 74, 5 on cach side of the wringer protrude equaldistances from the housing 31, Figs. 2 and 3.

To start the wringer, all that is required is that one of the buttons74, 75 on either' side of the wringer be pushed inwardly to actuate therock shaft 65 and engage the clutch 30.

The direction of rotation of the rock shaft 65 from its neutral positiondetermines the direction in which the wringer rolls are driven throughthe reversing clutch 30. Since the-two buttons 74, 75 on each side ofthe wringer respectively serve to rotate the rock shaft 65 in oppositedirections, the rolls can be caused to rotate in either directiondepending upon which button 74, 75 is actuated. The operator is thusenabled not only to start the wringer from either side of the wringerbut also determine the direction of rotation of the wringer rollsthrough a single light push on a control button.

The mounting for the upper wringer roll 22 is especially designed sothat the upper roll can be quickly and effectively released from itscngaged position and moved away from the lower roll in both the verticaland lateral planes. By reason of the release provided, the rolls can bequickly separated to prevent injury to objects which may inadvertentlybecome caughtbetween the rolls.

Movement ofthe upperV roll 22' into and out of operativepositionisprovided for byA mountingy the rollin a tratan movableU-shaped head 77 which forms a part of lthe wringer frame 24, Fig. 1.The roll is supported in the head by two stub axles 79 extendingoutwardly from opposite ends of the roll and respectively journaled insuitable bearings 80 disposed in the downwardly extending legs 81 of thehead. Compression springs the respective legs 81 act downwardly on thebearings 80 to bias the roll 22 downwardly in the head 77 toward theroll 21. However, the resiliency of the springs permits the roll to rideupwardly in the head to some extent when the wringer is in operation soas to provide an efficient squeezing action by the rolls.

The wringer head 77 itself is supported on a horizontal crankshaft 84extending through the head parallel to the wringer rolls 21, 22 andprovided with crank arms 85, 86 on opposite ends, Fig. 1. The free endof the arm 86, which is offset from the longitudinal axis of the centralportion of the shaft 84, is journaled in a bearing 87 in the controllinkage housing 31. The free end of the crank 85 at the opposite end ofthe shaft, which is similarly offset from the body of the shaft, isjournaled in a bearing 89. This bearing is formed in the inner face ofan upright end cap 90 attached to the end of the frame base 29 oppositethe housing 31 to constitute a part of the wringer frame 24.

The straight central portion of the crankshaft 84, which is offset fromthe crankshaft bearing supports 87, 89, pivotally supports the wringerhead 77 through bearings 91 at opposite ends of the head. With thisstructural arrangement, the upper wringer roll 22 is separated from thelower roll 21 by moving the support head 77 upwardly through angular,counterclockwise displacement of the crankshaft. To shift the upper rollback into operative position, the head is moved downwardly throughangular, clockwise displacement of the crankshaft in the oppositedirection, Figs. 3 and 4.

Actuation of the crankshaft 84 to force the wringer 82 disposed in rollsinto mutual engagement under pressure is effectedv through energyderived from the drive shaft 25. It will be seen that a structurallinkage is provided which not only is effective to force the rolls intoengagement without any manual effort on the part of the operator butwhich is automatic in its operation.

Referring to the detailed construction of the linkage employed to engageor reset the rolls, Figs. 1, 3, 4 and 5, it will be seen that thecrankshaft 84 is directly actuated by anV extended transverse arm 92 xedto that portion of the crankshaft which extends into the control linkagehousing 31. The free end of the arm isvpivotally inter-connected by ashort connecting link 94 and pivot pins 94', 94 to the upper end of atriangular-shaped toggle plate 95, Figs. 3 to 5. The lower end of thetoggle plate is in turn pivotally connected by a pin 96 to the supportmember 35 in the housing 31. The parts thus assembled serve uponcounterclockwise pivotal movement of the toggle plate 95 to rock thecrankshaft 84 in the clockwise direction, Figs. 3 and 4, and lower thehead 77 to engage or reset the wringer rolls.

The counterclockwise or resettingV movement of the toggle plate 95 iseffected by a symmetrical, single lobed cam 97 journaled on the rear endof the crown gear hub 34 and arranged to engage a roller 99 on the sideof the toggle plate, Figs. l and 6. The cam 97 is Vrotated for thispurpose by energy derived from the drive shaft 25 through the reversingclutch 30. In the present instance the cam 97 is connected to the crowngear hub 34 for rotation with the hub and crown gear 32 during the firstrevolution of the parts upon engagement of the clutch 30. The camtherefore will be rotated in either direction depending upon the`direction the clutch drives the wringer rolls. However, the cam 97 iseffective, because of its generally symmetrical shaping, to rock thetoggle plate in the counterclockwise direction, Figs. 5 and 6, when thecam is rotated in either direction.

Connection of the cam 97 to the hub 34 is brought about through aspecially designed single revolution clutch 100. Referring to thestructural elements of the clutch as shown in Figs. l, 5 and 6, it willbe seen that the cam 97 is integrally formed on a sleeve 101 whichcomprises a housing for the clutch. The housing is in turn `rotatablysupported on the inner end of the crown gear hub 34 and is held inassembled position on the hub by a retaining ring 102.

Selective coupling of the clutch housing 101 to the gear hub 34 forrotation therewith is effected by a radial clutch pin 104 slidablymounted in a boss 105 in the clutch housing 101, Fig. 6. The inner endof the pin 104 is provided with a pointed engaging tip 106 adapted toextend from the boss 105 into any one of a plurality of angularly spacedradial openings 107 formed in the hub 34 in axial alinement with theboss 105. Projection of the tip 106 into one of the openings 107 toengage the clutch 100 is accomplished by the toggle plate whichconditions the pin 104 for engaging the hub 34.

This conditioning of the pin 104 for engagement of the clutch is thefunction of a pin 109 which projects inwardly from the inner face of thetoggle plate 95 to coutact the heel of a leg 110 pivoted to an end plate111 of the control linkage housing 31, Figs. 1, 3 and 5. Upon movementof the toggle plate into released position the pin 109 moves the leg 110downwardly causing the toe 112 of the legto push down the rounded head114 of the clutch pin 104. This lowering of the head 114 compresses acushion spring 115 which biases the tip 106 toward engaged position,Figs. 1 and 6. The tip thus conditioned will drop into the first hubopening 107 that moves under the tip and lock the clutch housing 101 andcam 97 to the hub 34 for rotation therewith.

To maintain the clutch pin 104 in engaged position during the firstrevolution of the clutch 100, an annular clutch pin retaining race 116is provided on the previously mentioned end plate 111, Figs. l, 5, andV6. As indicated in Fig. 6, the race acts on the rounded pin head 114 torestrain the pin from moving outwardly to disengage the clutch 100 untilthe cam has made a complete revolution to actuate the toggle plate 95.

After a single revolution of the cam and clutch, which is all that isnecessary to engage the wringer rolls through the toggle plate 95, theclutch pin head 114 springs outwardly into a recess 117 provided in theretaining race 116, Fig. 4. This movement of the head 114 is assured bya clutch release spring 119 compressed between the head and the clutchhousing 101. Extraction of the engaging tip 106 of the clutch pin fromthe hub 34 to disengage the clutch is effected by a positive lost motionconnection 120 between the clutch head and the engaging tip, Fig. 1. Itwill be observed that the recess 117 is alined with the toe of the leg110 to locate the clutch pin head 114 in position to be again actuatedby the leg upon release of the rolls.

From a review of the wringer roll resetting linkage just described, itwill be appreciated that the linkage is automaticin its operation. Oncea button 74 or 75 is pushed to start the wringer rolls, the mechanismoperates independently of any further control by the operator to tapenergy from the power driven parts of the wringer to quickly engage thewringer rolls with each other. Upon engagement of the rolls, the resetlinkage automatically disconnects itself from the power driven parts andremains at rest so long as the wringer is in operation.

When the crankshaft 84 has been shifted into position to engage thewringer rolls, it is automatically latched in this position to maintainthe rolls in operative relationship. The latching means employed in thepresent instance is substantially the same as that disclosed by PatentNo. 2,288,847 issued July 7, 1942, to S. E. Schroeder. Reference may behad to that patent for details of the parts used herein. Briefly, thelatch is designed to cooperate with the crankshaft 84, Fig. l, which isformed in twov parts 121, 122 ixed together by a coupling 124. Thelatching action is produced directly by an axially extending fingerformed on one side of the coupling 124 and designed to engage al notch1:26 in a pivotedl trigger 127. A spring 129 biases the trigger intoposition to engage the finger' 125 and automatically latch thecrankshaft in engaged position.

The wringer rolls 21, 22 are disengaged from-each otherand disconnectedfrom the power drivethrough a single movement of a release member by theoperator. As shown in Fig. l, the release member comprises a-U-shapedbar 13G pivoted at opposite ends to the wringer head 77 and connected tothe latch trigger 127 by a latch plate 131. For the convenience of theoperator two identical release bars are provided, one-on each side ofthe wringer.

Slight movement of either release bar 130 trips the trigger 127 andreleases the crank shaft 84 allowing the wringer rolls to spring apart.In the preferred construction illustrated, the rolls are moved apart bya spring associated with the toggle plate 95, Figs. 1, 3, 4, and 5. Thespring shown comprises a helical compressionspring 132 coiled about aguide pin 134. One end of the pin is tapered to an apex 135 whichpivotally engages a recessed scat 135 on a wall of the housing 31. Theother end of the pin is slidably mounted in an inturned lateral flangeor car 137 on the toggle plate 95. One end of the spring 132 engages ashouider 139 on the end of thepin adjacent the apex 135 and the oppositeend of the spring engages the toggle plate ear 137. Pressure of thespring on this ear serves to shift the toggle plate from the engagedposition of Fig. 1lto the released position of Figs. 3 and 5. Theconsequent counterclockwise rotation of the crankshaft S4 shifts theroller 22 into a raised position to release all objects between therolls. The end point of the release movement of the linkage isdetermined by engagement of a lip 13?- on the arm 92 with a stop pin 133on the housing 31, Fig. 3.

Incident to disengaging the rolls, the release movement of the toggleplate 95 serves to shift the reversing clutch 30 into neutral anddisconnect the rolls from the power drive. The latter action isaccomplished through a spring biased pawl 14d attached to the inner endof the rock shaft 65 and disposed within a keyhole-shaped opening 141 inthe toggle plate 95, Figs. 1, 3, 4, and 5. The pawl is non-rotatablyconnected to the rock shaft and is radially biased outwardly by a spring142. When the parts are in the engaged position, Fig. 4, the pawl istransfversely disposed in the opening 141. The free end of the pawl islocated in the path of movement of one or the other of the two lips 144projecting into the opening 141 from opposite sides thereof. The pawlextends upwardly and downwardly into a position in front of one of theselips depending on the direction of the previous rotation of the rockshaft 65 to start the wringer.

When the toggle plate 95 moves from the engaged position, Fig. 4, to thereleased position, Figs. 3 and 5, the pawl 146 is acted upon by theassociated lip 144 to shift the pawl and the rock shaft 65 into neutralposition, Figs. 3 and 5. This, of course, shifts the clutch 30 intoneutral thereby automatically disconnecting the power rolls from theirdrive.

It will be observed at this time that during the rotation of the rockshaft 65 as an incident to restarting the wringer, the end of the pawl140 clears the nearest lip 144 and engages a cam surface 145 behind thelip, Fig. 5. During the subsequent resetting movement of the toggleplate 95, the pawl rides up over and drops in front of the lip. The pawlis then in position to cooperate with the toggle link for disengagingthe reversing clutch as previously described.

To separate the wringer rolls 21, Z2 in the lateral plane, Fig. 7, atthe time the rolls are released and moved away from each other in thevertical plane, the head 77 is released for pivotal movement about itscrankshaft support 84. The head is, of course, again locked againstswinging movement when theV rolls are reset in engaged position. Themechanical linkage used for selectively locking the head 77 againstpivotal movement on its support is integrated with the previouslydescribed mechanism for starting and stopping the rolls and for engagingand disengaging them from each other.

As to the details of the locking linkage, the inner end of the rockshaft 65, Figs. l, 7, and S, is provided with a attenedstep 146 whichengages the underside of a locking dog 147 pivoted to the end plate 111.The inner face of the dog is provided with a laterally projecting lug149 adapted to cooperate with a vertical control slot 150 in the endwall 151 of the head 77 to selectively lock the head against pivotalmovement. Upon rotation of the rock shaft 65 to engage the clutch 3G andrestart and re-engage the wringer rolls, one or the other of edges ofthestep 146 moves the dog 147 upwardly against the force of a spring 152attached to the free end of the dog. This upward movement of the dogcauses the lug 149'to enter the lower end of the slot 150 and lock thehead 77 in vertical position. As the head is immediately forceddownwardly through action of the power reset mechanism, the lug 149moves upwardly in the slot 150 which is curved to some extent tomaintain the upper wringer roll 22 in position directly over the lowerroil 21.

When the wringer is stopped and the rolls disengaged through actuationof a release bar 130, the head 77 is shifted into its raised positionand the step 146 returns to its horizontal position, Fig. l. The dog 147is pulled downwardly by spring 152 moving the lug 149 out of thevertical slot 150.

As shown in Fig. 7, the lug then enters an elongated slot 154 in the endwall 151, which slot is arcuate about the pivotal support for the head77 on the crankshaft 84. The head, thus freed from the lug, can pivotireely about its support under force of objects between the rolls toshift the upper roll 22 to either side of the lower roll. However, wheneverything is cleared from between the rolls the head 77 under force ofgravity will return to its vertical position where it can be againlatched in position.

The relation of the parts of the latch used to lock the head 77 in thevertical position is such that the rock shaft 65 cannot be rotated tooperate the latch until the head is in this position. Therefore, therock shaft will not operate to start the wringer and cause the head tobe shifted downwardly so long as the head is substantially inclined fromits operative position. By reason of this feature the operator cannotinadvertently cause the power reset mechanism to be energized before thehead 77 has returned into position to be moved downwardly.

In accordance with common practice, the entire framework of the wringer20 is mounted in any conventional manner for pivotal movement about thevertical drive shaft 25. To hold the wringer in various selectedhorizontal positions, a locking pin arrangement 155 is provided on thebase of the housing 31, Figs. l and 2.

It is evident from a review of the operation of the wringer controlmechanism that the wringer may be controlled in a strikingly simplemanner. All that is necessary to stop the wringer and cause itssqueezing rolls to virtually spring apart is that one of the releasebars 130 be moved slightly. As a result of a single movement of the bar,the rolls are disconnected from their power drive and are caused toseparate from each other in both the vertical and horizontal planes. Byreason of the quick release afforded, the wringer can be quickly andcompletely disabled so as to prevent damage to articles which mayinadvertently become caught between the rolls. On the other hand, aslight push on one of the control buttons 74 or 75 is effective to latchthe upper roll in operative position over the lower roll, determine thedirection of rotation of the rolls, reconnect the rolls to the powerdrive, and set in motion a mechanical linkage which forces the two rollsinto mutual engagementv through energy derived from the power drive forthe wringer.

In a second embodiment of the invention, shown in gestart Figs. 11 tol5, certain modifications are made in the wringer control linkages.Since reference may be had to the first embodiment, Figs. 1 to 10, for adisclosure of the general wringer organization, the illustration anddetailed description of this embodiment is accordingly confined to partsof the mechanism which differ from that of the first form. Partsdesignated by reference numerals with the subscript a in this form ofthe invention perform the same function and have the same structuralcharacteristics as parts designated with corresponding referencenumerals, but without the subscripts, in the first form, Figs. 1 to 10.

In this second embodiment of the'wringer, the lower roll 21a isconnected to the vertical drive shaft 25a through a reversing clutch 156of a different type, Fig. 11. The free end of the roll stud shaft 27a isconnected by a coupling 157 to a horizontal shaft 159 journaled atopposite ends in bearings in the support member 35a and the cover plate52a. The section of the shaft 159 between the shaft bearings supportsthe driving members 160, 161 of the clutch 156. The members, which aresupported for free rotation on the shaft, comprise cupshaped gears whichare driven in opposite directions by a common pinion 162 meshingonopposite sides with the gears and connected to the upper end of thedrive shaft 25a. v

The shaft 159 is selectively connected to either one or the other of thecounter-rotating gears 160, 161 to causethe shaft and the wringer rollsto be driven in selected directions of rotation. This connection is madethrough a shiftable coupling 164 keyed to the shaft for rotationtherewith and for sliding movement along the axis of the shaft. Oppositeends of the coupling 164 and the respective hubs of the gears 160, 161are formed with clutch faces whereby the coupling may be slid into andout of driven engagement with either gear. When in its central orneutral position the coupling is, of course, disengaged from both gears.

Control of the clutch 156 is the function of a vertical rock shaft 165journaled in the support member 35a and provided with an eccentricfinger 166 on the lower end which extends into a peripheral controlgroove 168 formed by two spaced -collars 169, on the coupling 164. Toengage the clutch 156, the shaft 165 is rocked in either direction fromits neutral position through push4 button controls 74a, 75a. Thecontrols are connected to the rock shaft by rack bars 71a, and 72a, andthe gear 76a, Figs. `1l and 13, in the same general manner ascorresponding parts in the first form of thewringer.

To automatically reset the wringer rolls upon restarting the wringer,the toggle plate 95a is pivoted counter.

clockwise from its disengaged positions, Fig. 14, to its engagedposition, Fig. 15, by means of an eccentric cam 170 iixedly attached tothe driven shaft 159. Rotation of the shaft 159 and cam 170 in eitherdirection upon engagement of the clutch 156 causes the cam to actuatethe toggle plate 95a through a roller follower 171 shiftably attached tothe toggle plate.

As shown in Figs. 11, 14, and 15, the follower is journaled between thelower ends of two` spaced toggle links 173, 174. The' upper ends of thelinks are. pivotally mounted on` a common pin 175 in toggle plate 95afor swinging movement in a plane parallel to the toggle plate, Theextent of this swinging movement is limited, however, through engagementof a lug 176 on the link 174 with opposite ends of. an arcuate slot 177in the toggle plate. l

A tension spring 179 is connected between the lower end of thelinks 173,174 and a pin 183 in the support member 35a. When the toggle plate is inits released positiorn'Fig. 14, the .spring acts in aline to the left ofthe link pivot`175 and swings the links into position to locate thelfollower roller 1,71 in the path of movement of the cam.170, Byreasonpf theI engagement ofthe lug 176 and`one end of the slot 177, theparts are i 1G forced to follow the cam 170 to pivot the toggle plateinto engaged position, Fig. 15.

In the course of this engaging or resetting movement of the toggle plate95a, the link pivot 175 passes through the line of action of spring 179and the spring then biases the links toward the opposite end of slot177. As soon as the cam 170 moves away from the roller 171 the linksswing to the right, Fig, l5, to shift the roller 171 out of the path ofmovement of the cam 170. The roller does not move back into position tobe engaged by the cam until the toggle plate rocks back into releasedposition, the pivot 175 again passing through the line of action ofspring 179.

The means for locking the wringer head 77a in vertical positioncomprises a horizontal locking pin 180 longitudinally movable into andout of a vertical slot 181 in the end wall 151a of the head, Figs. l1and 13. The forward end of the pin is tapered to facilitate itsinsertion into the slot 181 in the event the head 77a is not exactlyvertical. The rear end of the pin is fixed to an upturned flange 182 onthe inner end of a slidable plate 184 supported in horizontal guideslots 185 on opposite walls of the housing 31a, Figs. 11 and 13.

The outer end of the plate 184 is articulated with the rock shaft 165 ina manner whereby rotation of the rock shaft to engage the clutch 156will at the same time slide the plate inwardly to engage the pin 180 inthe slot 181. For this purpose a plate 186 having two spaced verticalstuds 187 on the top side thereof is connected to the upper end of therock shaft 165. Rotation of the shaft in either direction will cause oneor the other of the studs to engage a cam surface 189 on the plate andforce it inwardly against the biasing force of two springs 190 connectedbetween the plate ange 182 and the housing 31a.

The plate 184 is held in its inward position by a latch 191 pivotallymounted on stub shaft 191-a projecting from the support member 35a. Anupwardly extending arm 192 on the latch extends through a large aperture194 in the plate, Fig. 13. As the plate moves inwardly, the arm ridesover a sloping cam surface on a lip 195 projecting into the aperture anddrops into a notch behind the lip to produce the latching action. Itwill be noted that the aperture 194 in the plate 184 provides ampleclearance between the plate and the support member 35a.

Upon release of the wringer rolls from each other the latch 191 isautomatically disengaged from the plate 184 to permit the plate to bemoved outwardly under force of springs 190. This movement of the platenot only extracts the pin 180 from the slot 181 to free the head 77a forpivotal movement, but also serves to shift the reversing clutch 156 backto neutral and stop the wringer rolls. The latter action is producedthrough engagement of the cam surface 189 with the innermost stud 187 torotate the rock shaft 165 back to neutral position.

As to the specific means employed for releasing the latch 191,v theupper end of the toggle link 174 is formed with an outwardly turnedextension 196, Figs. ll, 14, and 15. As the extension is carried pastthe latch by the toggle plate a, it engages an inwardly turned flange197 on an arm of the latch 191 to release the latch against the force ofits spring 199. Spring 199, as shown in the drawings, is a small coilspring positioned about stub shaft 19101, having its projecting endportions engaging, respectively, the underside of flange 197 and acylindrical abutment 200, to bias the latch 191 into latching position.The abutment 200 also serves as a stop limiting the movement of thelatch 191 under the action of the spring 199.

It is evident from Figs. 14 and 15 that the extension 196 clears thelatch flange 197 as the toggle plate moves counterclockwise into engagedposition. However, the extension moves into position to engage theflange as the toggle links swing into inoperative position, Fig. 15.

Itis clear that this second embodiment of the invention produces thesame efficiency in action as the embodiment irst described. The wringerrolls are disengaged and the wringer is stopped in response to actuationof the releasek wringer rolls associated with said frame for movementinto and out of mutually engaged position,a power drive for said rolls,a reversingclutch interconnectingsaid rolls with said power drive, asingle'controtoperable'torelease said rolls from mutualengagement and toshiftv said clutch to neutral todisconnect said power drive from saidrolls, a second single control operatively connected to said clutch toselect a direction of rotation for said rolls and to4 re-establishdriving connection between the wringer rolls and said power drive,apowcr reset 'linkage having a releasable driving connection to saidpower drive intermediate said clutch and said rolls for energizing saidreset linkage, and means for engaging said releasable driving connectionupon release of said rolls for automatically restoring the wringer rollsinto mutual engagement upon rte-establishment of driving connectionbetween said rolls andsaid power drive.

2, A wringer comprising, in combination, wringer rolls mounted forrelative horizontal and vertical movement into and out of mutuallyengaged position, a power drive for said rolls, a clutch interconnectingsaid rolls with said power drive, a latch for preventing relativehorizontal movement of said rolls, a single control operable to releasesaid rolls from engaged position for movement away from each other inboth horizontal and vertical directions and to shift said clutch todisconnect said power drive from said rolls, linkage automaticallyoperable to restore said wringer rolls into mutual engagement uponre-establishment of driving connection of said rolls with said powerdrive and a second single control operatively connected to said latchand said clutch to actuate said latch for latching said rolls againstrelative horizontal movement and to engage said clutch to re-establishdriving connection between the wringer rolls and said power drive.

3. A wringer comprising, in combination, a frame including a xed sectionand a head section mounted for movement relative to said fixed sectionin horizontal and vertical directions, wringer rolls journaled on eachof said sections for movement into and out of mutually engaged positionupon relative movement of said head section, rst latching means forlatching said rolls in engaged position against relative verticalmovement, a power drive-for said rolls, a clutch interconnecting saidrolls with said power drive, second latching means including a generallyvertical slot formed in saidhead and a latching element movable intosaid slot to latch said head against pivotal movement for preventingrelative horizontal movement of said rolls, a single control associatedwith said first and second latching means and said clutch, saidv control'being operable to release said rolls from engaged position for movementaway from each other in'both horizontal and vertical directions and toshift said clutch to disconnect said power drive from said rolls, powerreset linkage automatically operable to restore said wringer rolls intomutual engagement upon re-establishment of driving connection of saidrolls with said power drive, and a second single control operativelyconnected to said second latching means-and said clutch for actuatingsaid second latching means to latch said rolls against relativehorizontal movement and for engaging said clutch to re-establishdrivingconnection between the wringer rolls and said power drive.

4. Awringer havingin combination, aframe including a fixed section and amovable head section, ywringerLro'lls journaled in each of saidsections, a power drive including apower shaft -for said rolls,rotatablecrank means for shifting said movable'sectiontoward and awayfrom-said xed'section to engage and disengage said wringer rolls witheach other, a toggle-platezassociated withsaid crank for rotatingsaidcrank and movable between Afirst and=sec ond`positions uponengagement and disengagement, respectively, of said rolls, power meansfor actuating said plate comprising a cam supported in positionto-engagesaid plate for moving the latter to said tirst position, and a singlerevolution lclutch including a member rotatably mounted on said powershaft and fixed to said cam, a radially movable element mounted on saidmember for rotation therewith andadapted to engage said power shaft uponinward radial movement, and a circular race for holding said'element inradially inward position, said circularv race having an opening topermit outward releasing movement of said element at one angularposition of-'rotation after one revolution ofsaid. clutch, said toggleplate' having abutment means for moving said element to engaged positionupon movement of said plate to said second roll disengaging position forautomatically engaging saidclutch to engage said rolls-during the rstrevolution of said powerdrive.

5. In a wringer, a pair of rolls movable into and out of mutualengagement, a power drive having a rotatable element in drivingengagement with said rolls, a power reset linkage for forcing said rollsinto mutual engagement under pressure, and a single revolution clutchassociatedy with said rotatable element for energizing said power resetlinkage, said clutch having'a housing mounted around said rotatableelement, a hollow radial boss on said housing, a radial opening in saidrotatable element in axial alinement with said boss, a pin in said boss,a control member on said' linkage for forcing said pin into saidopeningupon disengagement of said rolls thereby establishing driving relationbetween said element and said housing, a circular cam ring disposedaround said housing for maintaining said pin in'engagement with saidelement for one revolution of said element, said cam ring having arecess in one portion of its cam surface, biasing means for moving saidpin out of engagement with saidv element and -into said recess therebyreleasing said housing from driven relationship with said element aftera single revolution, and interconnecting means operable to transmitmovement of said clutch housing to said linkage.

6. Ay roll'press wringer comprisingin combination, a frame including abase` section and a movable head section, two'rolls respectively mountedone in said base section and one in saidhead section, a crank shaftpivotally interconnected with said base section and said head section,said rolls being movable relative to each other in a vertical plane uponrotation of said shaft and movable horizontally relative to each otherupon pivotal movement of said head on said shaft relative to said basesection, a power drive for said rolls, means for latching said rollsagainst relative horizontal movement, a power reset mechanism forrotating said shaft to move said rolls toward each other in a verticalplane, disengageable means for connecting said power drive to said rollsand to said power reset mechanism for energizing the latter, and a resetcontrol operative to engage said latch means to latch saidrolls againstrelative horizontal movement and to engage said disengageable means toconnect said rolls with said drive and to energize said reset mechanismto re-engage said rolls with each other.

7. A roll press wringer comprising, in combination, a frame including afixed base section and a movable head section', twoV rollsrespectivelymounted in said base-sectionand said head section, shiftablemountingmeans for moving said head section toward and away from saidbase section in a generally vertical direction to mutually engage and`disengage'said rolls, means for supporting said head section on Vsaidmounting means for pivotal movement about a generally horizontal axis tomove said rolls transversely relative to each other in a generallyhorizontal direction, means for latching said rolls against relativehorizontal movement, a power reset mechanism for shifting said mountingmeans to move said rolls toward each other in a vertical plane, a powerdrive including clutch means for driving said rolls and for energizingsaid power reset mechanism, and a reset control associated with saidlatching means and said power drive and for operating said latchingmeans to latch said rolls against relative horizontal movement and forengaging said clutch means to connect said rolls with said drive and toenergize said reset mechanism to re-engage said rolls with each other.

8. A roll press wringer comprising, in combination, a pair of rollsmounted for shifting movements relative to each other between an engagedoperative position and a disengaged inoperative position, a power drivehaving a power shaft, a reversing clutch associated with said drive forconnecting and disconnecting said power rolls with said drive, saidclutch comprising a crown gear and a shiftable pinion having radial gearteeth and mounted on said drive shaft for axial sliding movement to acentral neutral position, and second and third end positions forengaging said crown gear on opposite sides thereof for driving said gearin opposite directions, a control link for said pinion, resilient springmeans interconnecting said link with said pinion, said spring meansserving to cause smooth engagement of said pinion with said gear, apower reset mechanism driven by said crown gear for shifting said rollsfrom inoperative to operative position, means interconnecting said powerreset mechanism for moving said link and pinion to neutral position uponmovement of said rolls to disengaged position, and a single control formoving said link upon a single movement to shift said pinion to an endposition to connect said rolls to said drive through said clutch and toenergize said mechanism to shift said rolls into operative position.

9. A wringer including a plurality of rolls, a power drive, a rst clutchassociated with said drive to rotate said rolls and shiftable fromneutral to forward and reverse positions to drive said rolls in eitherdirection, movable support for one of said rolls, a power resetmechanism including a second clutch interposed between said first clutchand said rolls for moving said support to force said rolls into mutualengagement with each other, means to move said rst clutch to neutralupon disengagement of said rolls, and a control connected to said iirstclutch operative upon a single movement to shift said tirst clutch toforward or reverse position to drive said rolls in the desired directionand to engage said rolls through said power reset mechanism.

10. A wringer comprising in combination a frame including a iixedsection and a movable head section, wringer rolls journaled in each ofsaid sections, a power drive including a reversible clutch for saidrolls, crank means having a center portion journaled in said headportion and a cranked end portion journaled in said frame for engagingand disengaging said rolls with each other upon rotation of said crank,a power reset mechanism for said rolls including a toggle plateswingably mounted on said frame, a linkage interconnecting said plateand said crank means for rotating the latter upon swing of said plate, acam for swinging said plate and a one revolution engaging means forenergizing said reset mechanism to swing said plate during the rstrevolution of said power drive, mechanism including a single manualcontrol, a control shaft actuated thereby and a linkage interconnectingsaid control shaft and clutch for shifting said clutch, meansinterconnecting said toggle plate and said control shaft for shiftingsaid clutch to neutral upon disengagement of said rolls, and means onsaid toggle plate for conditioning said one revolution engaging meansupon disengagement of said rolls so that a single movement of saidmanual control shifts said reversible clutch to a selected direction ofrotation for said rolls to connect the same to said power drive and toenergize said reset mechanism for engaging said rolls.

1l. A wringer comprising in combination a frame including a Xed sectionand a head section, wringer rolls journaled in each of said sections, apower drive including a reversible clutch for said rolls, a rotatablesupporting means for said head section for movement of the latter invertical and horizontal directions into and out of roll engagingpositions, a first latch for releasably holding said supporting meansagainst rotation in the roll engaging position, a second latch forreleasably holding said head section against horizontal movement, apower reset mechanism including a movable element connected to saidsupporting means and a disengageable connection between said element andsaid power drive intermediate said clutch and rolls for moving saidelement and rotating said supporting means to roll engaging position, amanual control mechanism for moving said reversible clutch to neutraland reverse drive position, means interconnecting said movable memberwith said second latch and said control mechanism for releasing saidsecond latch and moving said control mechanism to neutral clutchposition upon release of said rst latch and rotation of said supportingmeans to roll disengaging position, means interconnecting said secondlatch and said control mechanism for latching said head section againsthorizontal movement before moving said clutch from neutral position, andmeans on said power reset mechanism for engaging said disengageableconnection upon disengagement of said rolls so that a single movement ofsaid control mechanism engages said reversible clutch, to drive saidrolls and energize said reset mechanism.

References Cited in the tile of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS711,672 McKissic Oct. 21, 1902 1,137,028 Schendler Apr. 27, 19151,817,604 Behan Aug. 4, 1931 1,820,032 Roberts Aug. 25, 1931 2,209,422Schroeder July 30, 1940 2,210,949 Perkins Aug. 13, 1940 2,227,119 BehanDec. 31, 1940 2,231,651 Altorfer Feb. 1l, 1941 2,240,280 Altorfer Apr.29, 1941 2,291,916 Parish Aug. 4, 1942 2,307,337 Schroeder Jan. 5, 1943

